The concept has resulted in Davis, a Conroe resident, being recognized in a new book, "Dynamic Health," where his system is featured along with health greats Bernie Siegel, a nationally known surgeon and author, and Billy Blanks, the creator of the Tae Bo workout program.

Davis said he always has believed people have a personal responsibility to their own health, but the concept of PRO-vention came to fruition one day when he was examining a patient.

The man had just recovered from his third heart attack in five years when Davis again started telling him what he needed to cut out of his diet.

The gentleman looked at him and said, "Soon there won't be anything left to cut out except paper dolls."

At that point, Davis realized the standard method of recommendations just wasn't working and adopted PRO-vention.

"I simply realized that telling people 'Don't do this and don't do that' wasn't the answer," he said. "People don't like to quit or give things up."

So today, the only thing Davis will advise against is smoking.

Everything else goes, but in moderation, of course.

April Sound resident Bonita Longmire has been a patient of Davis' since the early 1980s. Prior to becoming a patient, she noticed how the positive attitude in the exam room rubbed off on her ill mother-in-law.

"He didn't start asking her questions right off," Longmire said. "He would start to talk to her first so that it was like she was visiting with a friend."

And although Longmire said she has never received a prescription out of the ordinary from Davis, she can imagine how effective his treatments must be.

Davis still prescribes medication to his patients but often advises that taking a pill for a two- or three-mile walk beforehand makes it more effective.

Davis said several studies show that people who exercise more, drink a few glasses of wine, eat a few candy bars and have sex, live longer and healthier lives.

Davis' concept of PRO-vention is divided into three parts, Pantry Prevention, pertaining to eating healthy foods; Pleasurable Pursuits, which concerns activities; and Positive Passions, which deals with emotional aspects.

Davis said the best way to show his patients that the concept works is by living it himself.